4D Reining Competition Added to NRHA Derby

The National Reining Horse Association is bringing the 4D system made popular by the barrel racing industry to the sport of reining.

The 4D reining is slated to run concurrently with the youth, novice horse non-pro, AQHA/American Paint Horse Association amateur and green reiner classes at the 2015 NRHA Derby. (Credit: Journal)

The National Reining Horse Association is proud to announce the addition of the Classic Equine 4D Reining Competition for exhibitors entered June 21 in the youth, novice horse non-pro, amateur and green reiner classes at the 2015 NRHA Derby. Exhibitors competing in these classes at the NRHA Derby can enter the 4D portion for an additional $20 by noon on June 20. The 4D portion will be run concurrently during those classes.

The 4D jackpot method is a new innovative concept in the reining world, and was first introduced at the 2012 NRHA Cowtown Classic in Fort Worth.

“We’re so excited to bring this concept to the NRHA Derby. It not only allows NRHA to test a widely popular concept in the barrel racing industry, but also gives riders a chance to win better paychecks. We are always looking for innovative ways to make reining more and more appealing to those not already in our sport and we think this is an excellent direction to grow the sport of reining,” said Shianne Megel, NRHA director of events and affiliates.

A 4D-styled competition is a four-division scoring system (1D, 2D, 3D and 4D), with the highest score being declared as the 1D winner. The highest score determines the winning score of the three other divisions. This spreads winnings across four competitive levels, based on the level of competition that day and without the need for pre-determined class eligibility. This format doesn’t require in depth knowledge of class rules and may serve to be a great tool to welcome new competitors to the sport.

The division breaks are determined using the highest score as follows: 2D marker is the highest score minus three points, 3D marker is the highest score minus six points, and 4D marker is the highest score minus 12 points. The score closest to the division marker without going over is the division winner.

The 4D reining is slated to run concurrently with the youth, novice horse non-pro, AQHA/American Paint Horse Association amateur and green reiner classes. Exhibitors must enter a concurrent class to be eligible to enter the 4D reining, and the entry fee is only $20.

The 2015 NRHA Derby will be held June 20-27 at the Oklahoma State Fair Park in Oklahoma City. Thousands of spectators, exhibitors and horses attend the event each year with their eye on the most talented and beautiful reining horses in the world, plus approximately $1 million in cash, prizes and nominator incentives awarded there. Updated derby conditions for 2015, as well as a schedule and list of host hotels, are available now at www.nrhaderby.com.

About the Association

The American Quarter Horse Association, located in Amarillo, Texas, is the world’s largest equine breed registry and membership organization.

AQHA members share a passion for the American Quarter Horse and the vast lifestyle created by the world’s most popular horse.

Whether you’re a seasoned horse show veteran, a fan of the race track, a backyard horse enthusiast or simply someone dreaming of someday owning a horse, AQHA membership will benefit you in countless ways.